Go Speed Racer?
Pardon the pun but truthfully, his get up and go got up and went. Bringing
the cartoon character Speed Racer to life
in live action digital animation sure sounds like a great concept, but the
actual reality of the finished product is void of that valid spark necessary
to fire the imagination of children.

Based upon the 1967
anime cartoon series launched in Japan, the movie version is a futuristic
adaptation. The high tech imagery creates a surreal celluloid environment.
The racing sequences are spiked with road raging violence and the racing cars
defy the laws of gravity and physical velocity.

Speed Racer's preoccupation
with racing supercharged automobiles was a fascination in his youth that manifests
itself as he becomes a young adult. The tragic loss of his older brother Rex
fortifies his decision to pursue racing as his passion in life. His internal
struggles drive his determination to succeed.

Speed Racer
is pure fantasy. Targeted as a family film to attract a young clientele, Speed
exudes an innocence in his demeanor. His relationship with Trixie is unexplored
territory, and their eventual on-screen kiss is staled by a Cootie Warning
delivered by mischievous younger brother Sprittle.

Speed Racer
labored to connect with an audience. Hirsch is convincing in his lead role
and humanizes the character of Speed Racer, but it is not enough to overcome
the overwhelming digital animation overload that seems to have let the air
of the tires of this fast-paced racing adventure.